China's retail sales fell 0.6% in May 2026, the first decline since December 2022, as fixed-asset investment posted its steepest drop in nearly 30 years.

China's April retail sales grew just 0.2% YoY, the weakest since December 2022, as HSBC slashes its 2026 forecast and GDP growth projections fall.

May figure misses expectations as fading stimulus, property slump stifle demand

China's economy shows a worrying split in May. While factories are humming with strong exports, consumer spending took a hit, with retail sales falling for the first time in over…